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I enjoyed your discussion, although it wasn't what I expected when I clicked your link. I had expected some hints, tips and instruction about how to create compelling characters in historical fiction, but that's not what it was. When Katherine said she had course on creating compelling characters my heart sank because I guessed then there wouldn't be much actual teaching/instruction/tips in the podcast. I enjoyed it nonetheless but thought I'd give you some feedback about my expectations and the title. It may well be just me. I am writing my second historical novel, and always hungry about ways to improve - and making characters even more compelling is part of that. I've found that I really care about my characters and want to represent them as real human beings - hopefully this gets me some way. Many thanks for your content..
Sometimes it's not just the intimidation factor or the travel involved regarding archival visits. Some require the proper "academic credentials" which many writers may not have.
Thank you for the inspiring talk on the use of archives when writing historical fiction. It seems that the further back in time you go the less you have to draw upon. Researching for my first novel there were times I would hit a brick wall where there was little if anything archived. So I had no option but to search out the local references that I could find spending a month and a half traveling in a rented car driving on the other side of the road having the steering wheel on the opposite side using a stick also on opposite side and all the time wondering if I was lost. You'd be surprised what you can find in local archives. One word of advise; if you find yourself having to drive on the other side of the roadway, do yourself a favor and rent a car with an automatic transmission, try to stay off the back roads if you can, that is don't rely on map-quest to plan your route or you'll get lost.
Thank you for bringing Syd Young's experiences our way, and for your excellent and thoughtful interaction with her, and for the great wrap-up afterward. Very helpful and encouraging!
If you're going to highly fictionalize a character, then why use the real name? I read a book once where the character was fictionalized, but the people around that character were real. The message seemed to have gotten across in the characterization of the culture itself and the role the protagonist played, without actually specifically identifying them as someone real from history.
Enjoyed this interview/discussion. I’m a fan of Octavia’s, and the saga series. I love the way she personally contacts her readers via email and comments on our FB post. She is a very caring and a genuine person.
I've read all of the Circle of Ceridwen books. Octavia is a wonderful author. She is dedicated, entertaining, and writes a nice yarn! She loves her fans and they love her!
Just so wonderful to hear Octavia speak. I will continue to read as long as you continue to write about these wonderful characters and the time they lived. I have read each book twice 🤩🤩. Thanks for so much joy.
I love Octavia and all her books. I am one of her audible version fans, so I also love Nano Nagle. I have listened to the series several times, because when a new book comes out, I begin at the beginning and there is always new things I pick up on. This is because they are so rich and deep. Two things I heard in this interview which stands out for me personally is Octavia's comment, "I built my own road." Also when Theo said, in response, "nothing is wasted". It resonated with my own journey as a teaching artist. I too chose a nontraditional path when the doors were shut to me otherwise. After years of frustration, I too built my own road and everything fell into place. That sort of persistence is vital for the kind of success that she has forged. I believe the words that she is given.... the story her characters are telling her..... requires that sort of diligence. If one studies histories of greatness, it is easy to find that most are manifest through the sort of passion we are seeing with Octavia. And yes, I put her writings and success within that category. Greatness. It will last.
Octavia’s books are well researched, and fascinating. She transports you to another world. She brings her characters to life. I have never been so invested in a literary series. She is such an amazing author! And she is so devoted to her fans.
As a reader of this series from the beginning I have to say that Octavia engages with her readers on a personal level by commenting on their posts in her social media groups and returning emails. She is truly a talented writer and it is a great saga.
Amazing interview with Octavia. At age 78, I have been an avid reader since I learned to read. Octavia's extraordinary saga is hands down at the top of my list of favorites. Her skill as a writer is unparalleled.
Octavia's energy and enthusiasm are incredibly inspirational. Her generosity and wisdom are admirable. Thank you for this wonderful episode! I am currently reading Octavia's Circle of Ceridwen Series and loving it.
I'm one of that army of readers, and what a delightful woman you have interviewed here. I'm on my 6th reading of her Saga, more than any other series of books I've ever read.
Love the cover on your new book, Julia! As for Octavia, what an inspiration: Building her own path as an indie after dozens of publisher rejections. An author website pioneer who built a fan base by writing serially (for free) on her website. Her dedication to readers and building community. Octavia is a real treasure! Thanks so much for bringing her onto your podcast.
So inspiring! My background is kind of a mix of both of yours. I studied history, was a journalist for a year and a lawyer for 17 years and now I’m realizing that writing historical fiction might be my calling. Can’t tell the future of course but you have helped inspire me, so thank you!😊
Thank you for doing this! I really really need a community of historical fiction writers for support as I embark on my first historical novel (and first novel of any kind). It is so refreshing to hear other people with similar interests, doing similar things. I would LOVE to hear more tips for people like me that have a “day job” as they start writing, and have the same goal as Julia achieved: to make a living AS a novelist!!
We're so glad to hear this! You might also enjoy in Episode 2, Theo and Julia discuss their own experiences in getting a literary agent at the start of their careers. :) We hope you keep listening!
I came across this via your email to me today. I loved this!! So informative, natural and inspirational! I'm going to listen to your others x Thank you Theodore & Julia.
Theo... a great novel about the English Civil War - the brilliant Rose Macaulay's "They Were Defeated", published 1932. Macaulay always makes me feel much smarter than I am...
This is so, so exciting to hear!! I've been dying for a podcast focused on historical fiction. I just love this! Madeline (and our lovely hosts!) are just marvelous--thank you so much for taking the time to do this!
